Japan Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi Visits Yasukuni Shrine

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, center, visits Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Kyodo News via

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, Aug. 15, marking the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. While Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi skipped the visit to avoid diplomatic friction, she sent a ritual offering to the site, which honors convicted war criminals. The visit by Shinjiro Koizumi comes … Read more